Reminiscing helps Alzheimer's patients move forward

Reminiscing helps Alzheimer's patients move forward

SANDY, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) – September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and one treatment is triggering memories by looking at the past.

(alz.org)

SANDY, Utah (ABC 4 Utah) – September is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and one treatment is triggering memories by looking at the past.

Bess Robinson is one of 32,000 people in our state suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Sometimes she struggles to remember the people nearest and dearest to her heart, but sitting down and looking over pictures or videos of the past helps jog her memory.

"I think it's wonderful to be able to see these. It brings tears to my eyes," says Robinson.

It's also helping her fight the condition. It's known as reminiscence therapy, a widespread treatment that can help at the first sign of Alzheimer’s.

"The further that Alzheimer’s progresses, the harder it is to recall these events, so the sooner you start the easier it will be to recall these old memories and the longer they will hold on to them," says Kristin Harding, with Larsen Digital.

It also helps build confidence and manage the side effects of anxiety and depression.

"It brings so much pride and joy to that individual when they are able to fight this disease and withhold the affects as long as possible," says Harding.

Remembering family moments from yesterday, while creating more for tomorrow.

"I think this is so special, I really enjoy it. It's fun to be able to look through pictures with my mom and share the stories and remember things," says Karen Nabity, Robinson’s daughter.

The state of Utah has the second highest rate of Alzheimer’s disease, per capita, in the entire country. Cases are expected to increase 127 percent by the year 2025.

For information on Alzheimer’s and reminiscence therapy you can visit the following sites.

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